The island makes the most of its unique rocks
The tourist season in most of the country may traditionally start Easter and end with the first cold of autumn, but in the Kalymnos Things are different. At the forefront of climbing, which in recent years has evolved into a key pillar of the local economy, the island is now trafficked almost all year.
Kalymnos has managed to stand out in the tourist map of Greece and internationally, making the most of its main comparative advantage: its unique rocks. An island that has built its reputation as a global climbing destination, attracting visitors from February to November.
As the Deputy Mayor of Tourism and Expatience, Kalliopi Koutouzis, points out, speaking to the Athens and Macedonian News Agency, “Kalymnos is the island that lives in tourism otherwise. We have been the number one destination in Europe for climbing and we have consistently developed this form of tourism for 30 years and in recent years thanks to its promotion, it has become even more well -known. Let’s not forget that climbing is now an Olympic sport ». She emphasizes that “climbing, diving and hiking are brought by visitors from all over the world, especially in times when other tourist destinations are quieter.”
Kalymnos, in addition to a climbing paradise, has been known for centuries for her sponge. “The sponges made Kalymnos known around the world. Even today there are families living in sponge, either through fishing or through manufacturing and selling to wholesalers. Most is exported to Europe and Asia. ” As he says, the aim of the municipality is to develop fishing tourism, with the creation of a diving park and the organization of festivals and events that will continue the history and tradition of the island.
Kalymnos has four scuba diving schools and the only diver’s school in Greece. “Our relationship with the sea is vibrant and multilevel,” he points out.
The tourist season in Kalymnos begins in February and reaches November, with October being, as she typically says, “more touristy even than July and August”. And he explains: “This is due to the climbing, diving and hiking that attract visitors from all over the world, especially in lower temperature periods.”
She points out that Kalymnos offers slow and leisure tourism. “We have everything – nightlife, shops, but no over -tourism. This is also our advantage. The visitor can enjoy authentic experiences without pressure. “
With a population of about 18,000 inhabitants and 12,000 available beds, Kalymnos comfortably meets the needs of its visitors. Prices remain reasonable throughout the year and by the end of June one can easily find accommodation.
About yet another form of tourism, that of the religious, Mrs Koutouzi states: ‘We have important signs of pilgrimage of interesttopped by the monastery of St. Savva, which dominates over the port. “
OR accessibility The island is also an important advantage. “We have six airline connections a week to Athens in the summer, as well as an additional flight-known as the” train “-which serves the Athens-Sustyer-Leros-Kos-Kalymnos line.” There is also a ferry connection to Piraeus 6 times a week and link to the rest of the Dodecanese. “From Kos, which has an international airport, you arrive in Kalymnos in half an hour via Mastichariou – a fishing housing with frequent routes to our island,” he explains.
Kalymnos has tourists from all over the world – Japan, Philippines, America, but also from Italy, France, Austria, the Netherlands and the Scandinavian countries. “They are attracted to climbing, the sea and the authenticity. We also have a marina, which supports maritime tourism, “he says.
Another important chapter for Kalymnos is expatriates. “Kalymnos is ‘nautical’. Wherever you travel, you will find a navy. If we calculate up to 3rd or 4th generation, expatriates exceed 50,000, ”he notes.
Kalliopi Koutouzi recalls that “in Tarpon Springs of Florida, a twin city with Kalymnos, we had a Kalymnian Mayor, Chrysostom (Chris) Alahuzo. He was the first mayor of Greek descent, born in Kalymnos, to immigrate to the US at the age of 11. “
“In Australia, in Darwin, there are about 10,000 Dodecanese, most Kalymnians,” he adds. “Every July and August come on expatriates on the island, who speak the old Calymnics and Greek pronunciation, remain in their own homes that have renovated, and bring with friends and families. They are our best ambassadors. “
Despite the good results so far, the Kalymnos do not complain, as the Deputy Mayor points out, referring to an important action that is launched: “From October 19th to October 19th we are planning the organization of an international climbing festival, which had been interrupted due to pandemic. We want to continue to highlight our natural wealth and enhance alternative forms of tourism. “
As the Deputy Mayor of Tourism and Tourism of the Municipality of Kalymnion, Kalliopi Koutouzis, says, “Kalymnos is the island that integrates authenticity with adventure and tradition with sustainability.” That is why at the Green Expo exhibition, which will take place in Athens, May 28-31, Kalymnos will have a dynamic presence as an honored municipality and destination of alternative tourism, with rich natural beauty, history and special activities.
